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About this Title:

One of the plays in the 1916 Oxford University Press edition of all of Shakespeare’s plays and poems.

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The text is in the public domain.

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This material is put online to further the educational goals of Liberty Fund, Inc. Unless otherwise stated in the Copyright Information section above, this material may be used freely for educational and academic purposes. It may not be used in any way for profit.

Imprimis, It is agreed between the French king, Charles, and William De la Pole, Marquess of Suffolk, ambassador for Henry King of England, that the said Henry shall espouse the Lady Margaret, daughter unto Reignier King of Naples, Sicilia, and Jerusalem, and crown her Queen of England ere the thirtieth of May next ensuing. Item, That the duchy of Anjou and the county of Maine shall be released and delivered to the king her father.—

[Lets the paper fall.

K. Hen.

Uncle, how now!

Glo.

Pardon me, gracious lord;

Some sudden qualm hath struck me at the heart

And dimm’d mine eyes, that I can read no further.Craig1916: 56

K. Hen.

Uncle of Winchester, I pray, read on.

Car.

Item, It is further agreed between them, that the duchies of Anjou and Maine shall be released and delivered over to the king her father; and she sent over of the King of England’s own proper cost and charges, without having any dowry.

K. Hen.

They please us well. Lord marquess, kneel down:Craig1916: 64

We here create thee the first Duke of Suffolk,

And girt thee with the sword. Cousin of York,

We here discharge your Grace from being regent

I’ the parts of France, till term of eighteen monthsCraig1916: 68

Be full expir’d. Thanks, uncle Winchester,

Gloucester, York, Buckingham, Somerset,

Salisbury, and Warwick;

We thank you all for this great favour done,Craig1916: 72

In entertainment to my princely queen.

Come, let us in, and with all speed provide

To see her coronation be perform’d.

[ExeuntKing, Queen,andSuffolk.

Glo.

Brave peers of England, pillars of the state,Craig1916: 76

To you Duke Humphrey must unload his grief,

Your grief, the common grief of all the land.

What! did my brother Henry spend his youth,

His valour, coin, and people, in the wars?Craig1916: 80

Did he so often lodge in open field,

In winter’s cold, and summer’s parching heat,

To conquer France, his true inheritance?

And did my brother Bedford toil his wits,Craig1916: 84

To keep by policy what Henry got?

Have you yourselves, Somerset, Buckingham,

Brave York, Salisbury, and victorious Warwick,

Receiv’d deep scars in France and Normandy?

Or hath mine uncle Beaufort and myself,Craig1916: 89

With all the learned council of the realm,

Studied so long, sat in the council-house

Early and late, debating to and froCraig1916: 92

How France and Frenchmen might be kept in awe?

And hath his highness in his infancy

Been crown’d in Paris, in despite of foes?

And shall these labours and these honours die?

Shall Henry’s conquest, Bedford’s vigilance,Craig1916: 97

Your deeds of war and all our counsel die?

O peers of England! shameful is this league,

Fatal this marriage, cancelling your fame,Craig1916: 100

Blotting your names from books of memory,

Razing the characters of your renown,

Defacing monuments of conquer’d France,

Undoing all, as all had never been.Craig1916: 104

Car.

Nephew, what means this passionate discourse,

This peroration with such circumstance?

For France, ’tis ours; and we will keep it still.

Glo.

Ay, uncle; we will keep it, if we can;

But now it is impossible we should.Craig1916: 109

Suffolk, the new-made duke that rules the roast,

Hath given the duchies of Anjou and Maine

Unto the poor King Reignier, whose large style

Agrees not with the leanness of his purse.Craig1916: 113

Sal.

Now, by the death of him who died for all,

These counties were the keys of Normandy.Craig1916: 115

But wherefore weeps Warwick, my valiant son?

War.

For grief that they are past recovery:

For, were there hope to conquer them again,

My sword should shed hot blood, mine eyes no tears.Craig1916: 119

Anjou and Maine! myself did win them both;

Those provinces these arms of mine did conquer:

And are the cities, that I got with wounds,

Deliver’d up again with peaceful words?

Mort Dieu!Craig1916: 124

Edition: current; Page: [613]

York.

For Suffolk’s duke, may he be suffocate,

That dims the honour of this war-like isle!

France should have torn and rent my very heart

Before I would have yielded to this league.Craig1916: 128

I never read but England’s kings have had

Large sums of gold and dowries with their wives;

And our King Henry gives away his own,

To match with her that brings no vantages.Craig1916: 132

Glo.

A proper jest, and never heard before,

That Suffolk should demand a whole fifteenth

For costs and charges in transporting her!

She should have stay’d in France, and starv’d in France,Craig1916: 136

Before—

Car.

My Lord of Gloucester, now you grow too hot:

It was the pleasure of my lord the king.

Glo.

My Lord of Winchester, I know your mind:Craig1916: 140

’Tis not my speeches that you do mislike,

But ’tis my presence that doth trouble ye.

Rancour will out: proud prelate, in thy face

I see thy fury. If I longer stayCraig1916: 144

We shall begin our ancient bickerings.

Lordings, farewell; and say, when I am gone,

I prophesied France will be lost ere long.

[Exit.

Car.

So, there goes our protector in a rage.

’Tis known to you he is mine enemy,Craig1916: 149

Nay, more, an enemy unto you all,

And no great friend, I fear me, to the king.

Consider lords, he is the next of blood,Craig1916: 152

And heir apparent to the English crown:

Had Henry got an empire by his marriage,

And all the wealthy kingdoms of the west,

There’s reason he should be displeas’d at it.Craig1916: 156

Look to it, lords; let not his smoothing words

Bewitch your hearts; be wise and circumspect.

What though the common people favour him,

Calling him, ‘Humphrey, the good Duke of Gloucester;’Craig1916: 160

Clapping their hands, and crying with loud voice,

‘Jesu maintain your royal excellence!’

With ‘God preserve the good Duke Humphrey!’

I fear me, lords, for all this flattering gloss,Craig1916: 164

He will be found a dangerous protector.

Buck.

Why should he then protect our sovereign,

He being of age to govern of himself?

Cousin of Somerset, join you with me,Craig1916: 168

And all together, with the Duke of Suffolk,

We’ll quickly hoise Duke Humphrey from his seat.

Car.

This weighty business will not brook delay;

I’ll to the Duke of Suffolk presently.

[Exit.

Som.

Cousin of Buckingham, though Humphrey’s prideCraig1916: 173

And greatness of his place be grief to us,

Yet let us watch the haughty cardinal:

His insolence is more intolerableCraig1916: 176

Than all the princes in the land beside:

If Gloucester be displac’d, he’ll be protector.

Buck.

Or thou, or I, Somerset, will be protector,

Despite Duke Humphrey or the cardinal.Craig1916: 180

[ExeuntBuckinghamandSomerset.

Sal.

Pride went before, ambition follows him.

While these do labour for their own preferment,

Behoves it us to labour for the realm.

I never saw but Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester,

Did bear him like a noble gentleman.Craig1916: 185

Oft have I seen the haughty cardinal

More like a soldier than a man o’ the church,

As stout and proud as he were lord of all,Craig1916: 188

Swear like a ruffian and demean himself

Unlike the ruler of a commonweal.

Warwick, my son, the comfort of my age,

Thy deeds, thy plainness, and thy house-keeping,

Have won the greatest favour of the commons,

Excepting none but good Duke Humphrey:

And, brother York, thy acts in Ireland,

In bringing them to civil discipline,Craig1916: 196

Thy late exploits done in the heart of France,

When thou wert regent for our sovereign,

Have made thee fear’d and honour’d of the people.

Join we together for the public good,Craig1916: 200

In what we can to bridle and suppress

The pride of Suffolk and the cardinal,

With Somerset’s and Buckingham’s ambition;

And, as we may, cherish Duke Humphrey’s deeds,Craig1916: 204

While they do tend the profit of the land.

War.

So God help Warwick, as he loves the land,

And common profit of his country!

York.

[Aside.] And so says York, for he hath greatest cause.Craig1916: 208

Sal.

Then let’s make haste away, and look unto the main.

War.

Unto the main! O father, Maine is lost!

That Maine which by main force Warwick did win,

And would have kept so long as breath did last:

Main chance, father, you meant; but I meant Maine,Craig1916: 213

Which I will win from France, or else be slain.

[ExeuntWarwickandSalisbury.

York.

Anjou and Maine are given to the French;

Paris is lost; the state of NormandyCraig1916: 216

Stands on a tickle point now they are gone.

Suffolk concluded on the articles,

Edition: current; Page: [614]

The peers agreed, and Henry was well pleas’d

To change two dukedoms for a duke’s fair daughter.Craig1916: 220

I cannot blame them all: what is’t to them?

’Tis thine they give away, and not their own.

Pirates may make cheap pennyworths of their pillage,

And purchase friends, and give to courtezans,

Still revelling like lords till all be gone;Craig1916: 225

While as the silly owner of the goods

Weeps over them, and wrings his hapless hands,

And shakes his head, and trembling stands aloof,

While all is shar’d and all is borne away,Craig1916: 229

Ready to starve and dare not touch his own:

So York must sit and fret and bite his tongue

While his own lands are bargain’d for and sold.

Methinks the realms of England, France, and IrelandCraig1916: 233

Bear that proportion to my flesh and blood

As did the fatal brand Althæa burn’d

Unto the prince’s heart of Calydon.Craig1916: 236

Anjou and Maine both given unto the French!

Cold news for me, for I had hope of France,

Even as I have of fertile England’s soil.

A day will come when York shall claim his own;

And therefore I will take the Nevils’ partsCraig1916: 241

And make a show of love to proud Duke Humphrey,

And, when I spy advantage, claim the crown,

For that’s the golden mark I seek to hit.Craig1916: 244

Nor shall proud Lancaster usurp my right.

Nor hold the sceptre in his childish fist,

Nor wear the diadem upon his head,

Whose church-like humours fit not for a crown.

Then, York, be still awhile, till time do serve:

Watch thou and wake when others be asleep,

To pry into the secrets of the state;

Till Henry, surfeiting in joys of love,Craig1916: 252

With his new bride and England’s dear-bought queen,

And Humphrey with the peers be fall’n at jars:

Then will I raise aloft the milk-white rose,

With whose sweet smell the air shall be perfum’d,Craig1916: 256

And in my standard bear the arms of York,

To grapple with the house of Lancaster;

And, force perforce, I’ll make him yield the crown,

Whose bookish rule hath pull’d fair England down.

[Exit.

Scene II.—: The Same. A Room in theDuke of Gloucester’sHouse.

EnterGloucesterand hisDuchess.

Duch.

Why droops my lord, like over-ripen’d corn

Hanging the head at Ceres’ plenteous load?

Why doth the great Duke Humphrey knit his brows,

As frowning at the favours of the world?Craig1916: 4

Why are thine eyes fix’d to the sullen earth,

Gazing on that which seems to dim thy sight?

What seest thou there? King Henry’s diadem

Enchas’d with all the honours of the world?Craig1916: 8

If so, gaze on, and grovel on thy face,

Until thy head be circled with the same.

Put forth thy hand, reach at the glorious gold:

What! is’t too short? I’ll lengthen it with mine;Craig1916: 12

And having both together heav’d it up,

We’ll both together lift our heads to heaven,

And never more abase our sight so low

As to vouchsafe one glance unto the ground.Craig1916: 16

Glo.

O Nell, sweet Nell, if thou dost love thy lord,

Banish the canker of ambitious thoughts:

And may that thought, when I imagine ill

Against my king and nephew, virtuous Henry,

Be my last breathing in this mortal world!Craig1916: 21

My troublous dream this night doth make me sad.

Duch.

What dream’d my lord? tell me, and I’ll requite it

With sweet rehearsal of my morning’s dream.Craig1916: 24

Glo.

Methought this staff, mine office-badge in court,

Was broke in twain; by whom I have forgot,

But, as I think, it was by the cardinal;

And on the pieces of the broken wandCraig1916: 28

Were plac’d the heads of Edmund Duke of Somerset,

And William De la Pole, first Duke of Suffolk.

This was my dream: what it doth bode, God knows.

Duch.

Tut! this was nothing but an argumentCraig1916: 32

That he that breaks a stick of Gloucester’s grove

Shall lose his head for his presumption.

But list to me, my Humphrey, my sweet duke:

Methought I sat in seat of majestyCraig1916: 36

In the cathedral church of Westminster,

And in that chair where kings and queens are crown’d;

Where Henry and Dame Margaret kneel’d to me,

And on my head did set the diadem.Craig1916: 40

Glo.

Nay, Eleanor, then must I chide outright:

Presumptuous dame! ill-nurtur’d Eleanor!

Art thou not second woman in the realm,

And the protector’s wife, belov’d of him?Craig1916: 44

Hast thou not worldly pleasure at command,

Above the reach or compass of thy thought?

And wilt thou still be hammering treachery,

Edition: current; Page: [615]

To tumble down thy husband and thyselfCraig1916: 48

From top of honour to disgrace’s feet?

Away from me, and let me hear no more.

Duch.

What, what, my lord! are you so choleric

With Eleanor, for telling but her dream?Craig1916: 52

Next time I’ll keep my dreams unto myself,

And not be check’d.

Glo.

Nay, be not angry; I am pleas’d again.

Enter a Messenger.

Mess.

My Lord Protector, ’tis his highness’ pleasureCraig1916: 56

You do prepare to ride unto Saint Alban’s,

Whereas the king and queen do mean to hawk.

Glo.

I go. Come, Nell, thou wilt ride with us?

Duch.

Yes, my good lord, I’ll follow presently.Craig1916: 60

[ExeuntGloucesterand Messenger.

Follow I must; I cannot go before,

While Gloucester bears this base and humble mind.

Were I a man, a duke, and next of blood,

I would remove these tedious stumbling-blocks

And smooth my way upon their headless necks;

And, being a woman, I will not be slack

To play my part in Fortune’s pageant.

Where are you there? Sir John! nay, fear not, man,Craig1916: 68

We are alone; here’s none but thee and I.

EnterHume.

Hume.

Jesus preserve your royal majesty!

Duch.

What sayst thou? majesty! I am but Grace.

Hume.

But, by the grace of God, and Hume’s advice,Craig1916: 72

Your Grace’s title shall be multiplied.

Duch.

What sayst thou, man? hast thou as yet conferr’d

With Margery Jourdain, the cunning witch,

With Roger Bolingbroke, the conjurer?Craig1916: 76

And will they undertake to do me good?

Hume.

This they have promised, to show your highness

A spirit rais’d from depth of under ground,

That shall make answer to such questionsCraig1916: 80

As by your Grace shall be propounded him.

Duch.

It is enough: I’ll think upon the questions.

When from Saint Alban’s we do make return

We’ll see these things effected to the full.Craig1916: 84

Here, Hume, take this reward; make merry, man,

With thy confed’rates in this weighty cause.

[Exit.

Hume.

Hume must make merry with the duchess’ gold;

Marry and shall. But how now, Sir John Hume!Craig1916: 88

Seal up your lips, and give no words but mum:

The business asketh silent secrecy.

Dame Eleanor gives gold to bring the witch:

Gold cannot come amiss, were she a devil.Craig1916: 92

Yet have I gold flies from another coast:

I dare not say from the rich cardinal

And from the great and new-made Duke of Suffolk;

Yet I do find it so: for, to be plain,Craig1916: 96

They, knowing Dame Eleanor’s aspiring humour,

Have hired me to undermine the duchess

And buzz these conjurations in her brain.

They say, ‘A crafty knave does need no broker;’

Yet am I Suffolk and the cardinal’s broker.Craig1916: 101

Hume, if you take not heed, you shall go near

To call them both a pair of crafty knaves.

Well, so it stands; and thus, I fear, at lastCraig1916: 104

Hume’s knavery will be the duchess’ wrack,

And her attainture will be Humphrey’s fall.

Sort how it will I shall have gold for all.

[Exit.

Scene III.—: The Same. A Room in the Palace.

Enter three or four Petitioners, Peter,the Armourer’s man, being one.

First Pet.

My masters, let’s stand close: my Lord Protector will come this way by and by, and then we may deliver our supplications in the quill.Craig1916: 4

Sec. Pet.

Marry, the Lord protect him, for he’s a good man! Jesu bless him!

EnterSuffolkandQueen Margaret.

First Pet.

Here a’ comes, methinks, and the queen with him. I’ll be the first, sure.Craig1916: 8

Sec. Pet.

Come back, fool! this is the Duke of Suffolk and not my Lord Protector.

Suf.

How now, fellow! wouldst anything with me?Craig1916: 12

First Pet.

I pray, my lord, pardon me: I took ye for my Lord Protector.

Q. Mar.

[Glancing at the Superscriptions.]To my Lord Protector! are your supplications to his lordship? Let me see them: what is thine?

An’t shall please your majesty, I never said nor thought any such matter: God is my witness, I am falsely accused by the villain.Craig1916: 192

Pet.

By these ten bones, my lords, he did speak them to me in the garret one night, as we were scouring my Lord of York’s armour.

York.

Base dunghill villain, and mechanical,

I’ll have thy head for this thy traitor’s speech.

Edition: current; Page: [618]

I do beseech your royal majestyCraig1916: 198

Let him have all the rigour of the law.

Hor.

Alas! my lord, hang me if ever I spake the words. My accuser is my prentice; and when I did correct him for his fault the other day, he did vow upon his knees he would be even with me: I have good witness of this: therefore I beseech your majesty, do not cast away an honest man for a villain’s accusation.

K. Hen

Uncle, what shall we say to this in law?

Glo.

This doom, my lord, if I may judge.Craig1916: 208

Let Somerset be regent o’er the French,

Because in York this breeds suspicion;

And let these have a day appointed them

For single combat in convenient place;Craig1916: 212

For he hath witness of his servant’s malice.

This is the law, and this Duke Humphrey’s doom.

K. Hen.

Then be it so. My Lord of Somerset,

We make your Grace lord regent o’er the French.Craig1916: 216

Som.

I humbly thank your royal majesty.

Hor.

And I accept the combat willingly.

Pet.

Alas! my lord, I cannot fight: for God’s sake, pity my case! the spite of man prevaileth against me. O Lord, have mercy upon me! I shall never be able to fight a blow. O Lord, my heart!

Scene IV.—: The Same. TheDuke of Gloucester’sGarden.

Master Hume, we are therefore provided. Will her ladyship behold and hear our exorcisms?Craig1916: 5

Hume.

Ay; what else? fear you not her courage.

Boling.

I have heard her reported to be a woman of invincible spirit: but it shall be convenient, Master Hume, that you be by her aloft while we be busy below; and so, I pray you, go in God’s name, and leave us. [ExitHume.] Mother Jourdain, be you prostrate, and grovel on the earth; John Southwell, read you; and let us to our work.

EnterDuchessaloft,Humefollowing.

Duch.

Well said, my masters, and welcome all.Craig1916: 16

To this gear the sooner the better.

Boling.

Patience, good lady; wizards know their times:

Deep night, dark night, the silent of the night,

The time of night when Troy was set on fire;Craig1916: 20

The time when screech-owls cry, and ban-dogs howl,

And spirits walk, and ghosts break up their graves,

That time best fits the work we have in hand.

Madam, sit you, and fear not: whom we raise

We will make fast within a hallow’d verge.Craig1916: 25

[Here they perform the ceremonies belonging, and make the circle;Bolingbroke,orSouthwellreads, Conjuro te, &c. It thunders and lightens terribly; then the Spirit riseth.

Enter the Mayor of Saint Alban’s, and his Brethren, andSimpcox,borne between two persons in a chair; his Wife and a great multitude following.

Car.

Here comes the townsmen on procession,

To present your highness with the man.Craig1916: 69

K. Hen.

Great is his comfort in this earthly vale,

Although by his sight his sin be multiplied.

Glo.

Stand by, my masters; bring him near the king:Craig1916: 72

His highness’ pleasure is to talk with him.

K. Hen.

Good fellow, tell us here the circumstance,

That we for thee may glorify the Lord.

What! hast thou been long blind, and now restor’d?Craig1916: 76

Simp.

Born blind, an’t please your Grace.

Wife.

Ay, indeed, was he.

Suf.

What woman is this?

Wife.

His wife, an’t like your worship.Craig1916: 80

Glo.

Hadst thou been his mother, thou couldst have better told.

K. Hen.

Where wert thou born?

Simp.

At Berwick in the north, an’t like your Grace.

K. Hen.

Poor soul! God’s goodness hath been great to thee:Craig1916: 84

Let never day nor night unhallow’d pass,

But still remember what the Lord hath done.

Q. Mar.

Tell me, good fellow, cam’st thou here by chance,

Or of devotion, to this holy shrine?Craig1916: 88

Simp.

God knows, of pure devotion; being call’d

A hundred times and oft’ner in my sleep,

By good Saint Alban; who said, ‘Simpcox, come;

Come, offer at my shrine, and I will help thee.’

Wife.

Most true, forsooth; and many time and oftCraig1916: 93

Myself have heard a voice to call him so.

Car.

What! art thou lame?

Simp.

Ay, God Almighty help me!

Suf.

How cam’st thou so?

Simp.

A fall off of a tree.Craig1916: 96

Wife.

A plum-tree, master.

Glo.

How long hast thou been blind?

Simp.

O! born so, master.

Glo.

What! and wouldst climb a tree?

Simp.

But that in all my life, when I was a youth.

Wife.

Too true; and bought his climbing very dear.Craig1916: 100

Glo.

Mass, thou lov’dst plums well, that wouldst venture so.

Simp.

Alas! master, my wife desir’d some damsons,

And made me climb with danger of my life.

Glo.

A subtle knave! but yet it shall not serve.

Let me see thine eyes: wink now: now open them:Craig1916: 105

In my opinion yet thou seest not well.

Simp.

Yes, master, clear as day; I thank God and Saint Alban.

Glo.

Sayst thou me so? What colour is this cloak of?Craig1916: 108

Simp.

Red, master; red as blood.

Edition: current; Page: [621]

Glo.

Why, that’s well said. What colour is my gown of?

Simp.

Black, forsooth; coal-black, as jet.

K. Hen.

Why then, thou know’st what colour jet is of?Craig1916: 112

Suf.

And yet, I think, jet did he never see.

Glo.

But cloaks and gowns before this day a many.

Wife.

Never, before this day, in all his life.

Glo.

Tell me, sirrah, what’s my name?Craig1916: 116

Simp.

Alas! master, I know not.

Glo.

What’s his name?

Simp.

I know not.

Glo.

Nor his?Craig1916: 120

Simp.

No, indeed, master.

Glo.

What’s thine own name?

Simp.

Saunder Simpcox, an if it please you, master.

Glo.

Then, Saunder, sit there, the lyingest knave in Christendom. If thou hadst been born blind, thou mightst as well have known all our names as thus to name the several colours we do wear. Sight may distinguish of colours, but suddenly to nominate them all, it is impossible. My lords, Saint Alban here hath done a miracle; and would ye not think that cunning to be great, that could restore this cripple to his legs again?

Simp.

O, master, that you could!Craig1916: 133

Glo.

My masters of Saint Alban’s, have you not beadles in your town, and things called whips?Craig1916: 136

May.

Yes, my lord, if it please your Grace.

Glo.

Then send for one presently.

May.

Sirrah, go fetch the beadle hither straight.

[Exit an Attendant.

Glo.

Now fetch me a stool hither by and by.

[A stool brought out.] Now, sirrah, if you mean to save yourself from whipping, leap me over this stool and run away.

Simp.

Alas! master, I am not able to stand alone:Craig1916: 144

You go about to torture me in vain.

Re-enter Attendant, and a Beadle with a whip.

Glo.

Well, sir, we must have you find your legs. Sirrah beadle, whip him till he leap over that same stool.Craig1916: 148

Bead.

I will, my lord. Come on, sirrah; off with your doublet quickly.

Simp.

Alas! master, what shall I do? I am not able to stand.Craig1916: 152

[After the Beadle hath hit him once, he leaps over the stool, and runs away: and the people follow and cry, ‘A miracle!’

Enter, on one side,Horner,and his Neighbours drinking to him so much that he is drunk; and he enters bearing his staff with a sand-bag fastened to it; a drum before him: on the other side,Peter,with a drum and a sand-bag; and Prentices drinking to him.

First Neigh.

Here, neighbour Horner, I drink to you in a cup of sack: and fear not, neighbour, you shall do well enough.Craig1916: 61

Sec. Neigh.

And here, neighbour, here’s a cup of charneco.

Third Neigh.

And here’s a pot of good double beer, neighbour: drink, and fear not your man.

Hor.

Let it come, i’ faith, and I’ll pledge you all; and a fig for Peter!Craig1916: 68

First Pren.

Here, Peter, I drink to thee; and be not afraid.

Sec. Pren.

Be merry, Peter, and fear not thy master: fight for credit of the prentices.Craig1916: 72

Peter.

I thank you all: drink, and pray for me, I pray you; for, I think, I have taken my Edition: current; Page: [624] last draught in this world. Here, Robin, an if I die, I give thee my apron: and, Will, thou shalt have my hammer: and here, Tom, take all the money that I have. O Lord bless me! I pray God, for I am never able to deal with my master, he hath learnt so much fence already.Craig1916: 80

Sal.

Come, leave your drinking and fall to blows. Sirrah, what’s thy name?

Peter.

Peter, forsooth.

Sal.

Peter! what more?Craig1916: 84

Peter.

Thump.

Sal.

Thump! then see thou thump thy master well.

Hor.

Masters, I am come hither, as it were, upon my man’s instigation, to prove him a knave, and myself an honest man: and touching the Duke of York, I will take my death I never meant him any ill, nor the king, nor the queen; and therefore, Peter, have at thee with a downright blow!Craig1916: 94

For our enemies shall fall before us, inspired with the spirit of putting down kings and princes,—Command silence.Craig1916: 40

Dick.

Silence!

Cade.

My father was a Mortimer.—

Dick.

[Aside.] He was an honest man, and a good bricklayer.Craig1916: 44

Cade.

My mother a Plantagenet,—

Dick.

[Aside.] I knew her well; she was a midwife.

Cade.

My wife descended of the Lacies,—Craig1916: 48

Dick.

[Aside.] She was, indeed, a pedlar’s daughter, and sold many laces.

Smith.

[Aside.] But now of late, not able to travel with her furred pack, she washes bucks here at home.Craig1916: 53

Cade.

Therefore am I of an honourable house.

Dick.

[Aside.] Ay, by my faith, the field is honourable; and there was he born, under a hedge; for his father had never a house but the cage.

Cade.

Valiant I am.Craig1916: 60

Smith.

[Aside.] A’ must needs, for beggary is valiant.

Cade.

I am able to endure much.

Dick.

[Aside.] No question of that, for I have seen him whipped three market-days together.

Cade.

I fear neither sword nor fire.

Smith.

[Aside.] He need not fear the sword, for his coat is of proof.Craig1916: 68

Dick.

[Aside.] But methinks he should stand in fear of fire, being burnt i’ the hand for stealing of sheep.

Cade.

Be brave, then; for your captain is brave, and vows reformation. There shall be in England seven halfpenny loaves sold for a penny; the three-hooped pot shall have ten hoops; and I will make it felony to drink small beer. All the realm shall be in common, and in Cheapside shall my palfrey go to grass. And when I am king,—as king I will be,—

All.

God save your majesty!Craig1916: 80

Cade.

I thank you, good people: there shall be no money; all shall eat and drink on my score, and I will apparel them all in one livery, that they may agree like brothers, and worship me their lord.Craig1916: 85

Dick.

The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers.

Cade.

Nay, that I mean to do. Is not this a lamentable thing, that of the skin of an innocent lamb should be made parchment? that parchment, being scribbled o’er, should undo a man? Some say the bee stings; but I say, ’tis the bee’s wax, for I did but seal once to a thing, and I was never mine own man since. How now! who’s there?Craig1916: 95

Enter some, bringing in the Clerk of Chatham.

Smith.

The clerk of Chatham: he can write and read and cast accompt.

Cade.

O monstrous!

Smith.

We took him setting of boys’ copies.

Cade.

Here’s a villain!Craig1916: 100

Smith.

Has a book in his pocket with red letters in’t.

Cade.

Nay, then he is a conjurer.

Dick.

Nay, he can make obligations, and write court-hand.Craig1916: 105

Cade.

I am sorry for’t: the man is a proper man, of mine honour; unless I find him guilty, he shall not die. Come hither, sirrah, I must examine thee. What is thy name?Craig1916: 109

Clerk.

Emmanuel.

Dick.

They use to write it on the top of letters. ’Twill go hard with you.Craig1916: 112

Cade.

Let me alone. Dost thou use to write thy name, or hast thou a mark to thyself, like an honest plain-dealing man?

Clerk.

Sir, I thank God, I have been so well brought up, that I can write my name.Craig1916: 117

Edition: current; Page: [638]

All.

He hath confessed: away with him! he’s a villain and a traitor.

Cade.

Away with him! I say: hang him with his pen and ink-horn about his neck.Craig1916: 121

Sir, he made a chimney in my father’s house, and the bricks are alive at this day to testify it; therefore deny it not.

Staf.

And will you credit this base drudge’s words,

That speaks he knows not what?Craig1916: 164

All.

Ay, marry, will we; therefore get ye gone.

W Staf.

Jack Cade, the Duke of York hath taught you this.

Cade.

[Aside.] He lies, for I invented it myself. Go to, sirrah; tell the king from me, that, for his father’s sake, Henry the Fifth, in whose time boys went to span-counter for French crowns, I am content he shall reign; but I’ll be protector over him.Craig1916: 172

Dick.

And furthermore, we’ll have the Lord Say’s head for selling the dukedom of Maine.

Cade

And good reason; for thereby is England mained, and fain to go with a staff, but that my puissance holds it up. Fellow kings, I tell you that that Lord Say hath gelded the commonwealth, and made it a eunuch; and more than that, he can speak French; and therefore he is a traitor.Craig1916: 181

Staf.

O gross and miserable ignorance!

Cade.

Nay, answer, if you can: the Frenchmen are our enemies; go to then, I ask but this, can he that speaks with the tongue of an enemy be a good counsellor, or no?

All.

No, no; and therefore we’ll have his head.

W. Staf.

Well, seeing gentle words will not prevail,Craig1916: 188

Assail them with the army of the king.

Staf.

Herald, away; and throughout every town

Proclaim them traitors that are up with Cade;

That those which fly before the battle endsCraig1916: 192

May, even in their wives’ and children’s sight,

Be hang’d up for example at their doors:

And you, that be the king’s friends, follow me.

[Exeunt the twoStaffordsand Forces.

Cade.

And you, that love the commons, follow me.Craig1916: 196

Now show yourselves men; ’tis for liberty.

We will not leave one lord, one gentleman:

Spare none but such as go in clouted shoon,

For they are thrifty honest men, and suchCraig1916: 200

As would, but that they dare not take our parts.

Dick.

They are all in order, and march toward us.

Cade.

But then are we in order when we are most out of order. Come, march! forward!Craig1916: 204

[Exeunt.

Edition: current; Page: [639]

Scene III.—: Another Part of Blackheath.

Alarums. The two parties enter and fight, and both theStaffordsare slain.

Cade.

Where’s Dick, the butcher of Ashford?

Dick.

Here, sir.

Cade.

They fell before thee like sheep and oxen, and thou behavedst thyself as if thou hadst been in thine own slaughter-house: therefore thus will I reward thee, the Lent shall be as long again as it is; and thou shalt have a licence to kill for a hundred lacking one.Craig1916: 8

Dick.

I desire no more.

Cade.

And, to speak truth, thou deservest no less. This monument of the victory will I bear; [Puts onSir Humphrey Stafford’sarmour.] and the bodies shall be dragged at my horse’ heels, till I do come to London, where we will have the Mayor’s sword borne before us.Craig1916: 14

Dick.

If we mean to thrive and do good, break open the gaols and let out the prisoners.

Scene V.—: The Same. The Tower.

No, my lord, nor likely to be slain; for they have won the bridge, killing all those that withstand them. The Lord Mayor craves aid of your honour from the Tower, to defend the city from the rebels.

Scales.

Such aid as I can spare you shall command;

But I am troubled here with them myself;Craig1916: 8

The rebels have assay’d to win the Tower.

But get you to Smithfield and gather head,

And thither I will send you Matthew Goffe:

Fight for your king, your country, and your lives;Craig1916: 12

And so, farewell, for I must hence again.

[Exeunt.

Scene VI.—: London. Cannon Street.

EnterJack Cade,and his Followers. He strikes his staff on London-stone.

Cade.

Now is Mortimer lord of this city. And here, sitting upon London-stone, I charge and command that, of the city’s cost, the pissing-conduit run nothing but claret wine this first year of our reign. And now, henceforward, it shall be treason for any that calls me other than Lord Mortimer.

Enter a Soldier, running.

Sold.

Jack Cade! Jack Cade!Craig1916: 8

Cade.

Knock him down there.

[They kill him.

Smith.

If this fellow be wise, he’ll never call you Jack Cade more: I think he hath a very fair warning.Craig1916: 12

Dick.

My lord, there’s an army gathered together in Smithfield.

Cade.

Come then, let’s go fight with them. But first, go and set London-bridge on fire, and, if you can, burn down the Tower too. Come, let’s away.

[Exeunt.

Scene VII.—: The Same. Smithfield.

Alarums. Enter, on one side,Cadeand his company; on the other, Citizens, and theKing’sForces, headed byMatthew Goffe.They fight; the Citizens are routed, andMatthew Goffeis slain.

Cade.

So, sirs:—Now go some and pull down the Savoy; others to the inns of court: down with them all.

Dick.

I have a suit unto your lordship.Craig1916: 4

Cade.

Be it a lordship, thou shalt have it for that word.

Dick.

Only that the laws of England may come out of your mouth.Craig1916: 8

John.

[Aside.] Mass, ’twill be sore law then; for he was thrust in the mouth with a spear, and ’tis not whole yet.

Smith.

[Aside.] Nay, John, it will be stinking law; for his breath stinks with eating toasted cheese.Craig1916: 14

Cade.

I have thought upon it; it shall be so. Away! burn all the records of the realm: my mouth shall be the parliament of England.

John.

[Aside.] Then we are like to have biting statutes, unless his teeth be pulled out.

Cade.

And henceforward all things shall be in common.Craig1916: 21

Enter a Messenger.

Mess.

My lord, a prize, a prize! here’s the Lord Say, which sold the towns in France; he that made us pay one-and-twenty fifteens, and one shilling to the pound, the last subsidy.Craig1916: 25

EnterGeorge Bevis,with theLord Say.

Cade.

Well, he shall be beheaded for it ten times. Ah! thou say, thou serge, nay, thou buckram lord; now art thou within pointblank of our jurisdiction regal. What canst thou answer to my majesty for giving up of Normandy unto Monsieur Basimecu, the Dauphin of France? Be it known unto thee by these presence, even the presence of Lord Mortimer, that I am the besom that must sweep the court clean of such filth as thou art. Thou hast most traitorously corrupted the youth of the realm in erecting a grammar-school; and whereas, before, our fore-fathers had no other books but the score and the tally, thou hast caused printing to be used; and, contrary to the king, his crown, and dignity, thou hast built a paper-mill. It will be proved to thy face that thou hast men about thee that usually talk of a noun and a verb, and such abominable words as no Christian car can endure to hear. Thou hast appointed justices of peace, to call poor men before them about matters they were not able to answer. Moreover, thou hast put them in prison; and because they could not read, thou hast hanged them; when indeed only for that cause they have been most worthy to live. Thou dost ride on a foot-cloth, dost thou not?

Say.

What of that?Craig1916: 53

Cade.

Marry, thou oughtest not to let thy horse wear a cloak, when honester men than thou go in their hose and doublets.Craig1916: 56

Edition: current; Page: [641]

Dick.

And work in their shirt too; as myself, for example, that am a butcher.

Say.

You men of Kent,—

Dick.

What say you of Kent?Craig1916: 60

Say.

Nothing but this: ’tis bona terra, mala gens.

Cade.

Away with him! away with him! he speaks Latin.

Say.

Hear me but speak, and bear me where you will.Craig1916: 64

Kent, in the Commentaries Cæsar writ,

Is term’d the civil’st place of all this isle:

Sweet is the country, because full of riches;

The people liberal, valiant, active, wealthy;Craig1916: 68

Which makes me hope you are not void of pity.

I sold not Maine, I lost not Normandy;

Yet, to recover them, would lose my life.

Justice with favour have I always done;Craig1916: 72

Prayers and tears have mov’d me, gifts could never.

When have I aught exacted at your hands,

But to maintain the king, the realm, and you?

Large gifts have I bestow’d on learned clerks,Craig1916: 76

Because my book preferr’d me to the king,

And seeing ignorance is the curse of God,

Knowledge the wing wherewith we fly to heaven,

Unless you be possess’d with devilish spirits,Craig1916: 80

You cannot but forbear to murder me:

This tongue hath parley’d unto foreign kings

For your behoof,—

Cade.

Tut! when struck’st thou one blow in the field?Craig1916: 84

Say.

Great men have reaching hands: oft have I struck

Those that I never saw, and struck them dead.

Geo.

O monstrous coward! what, to come behind folks!Craig1916: 88

Say.

These cheeks are pale for watching for your good.

Cade.

Give him a box o’ the ear, and that will make ’em red again.

Say.

Long sitting, to determine poor men’s causes,Craig1916: 92

Hath made me full of sickness and diseases.

Cade.

Ye shall have a hempen caudle then, and the help of hatchet.

Dick.

Why dost thou quiver, man?.Craig1916: 96

Say.

The palsy, and not fear, provokes me.

Cade.

Nay, he nods at us; as who should say, I’ll be even with you: I’ll see if his head will stand steadier on a pole, or no. Take him away and behead him.Craig1916: 101

Say.

Tell me wherein have I offended most?

Have I affected wealth, or honour? speak.

Are my chests fill’d up with extorted gold?Craig1916: 104

Is my apparel sumptuous to behold?

Whom have I injur’d, that ye seek my death?

These hands are free from guiltless bloodshedding,

This breast from harbouring foul deceitful thoughts.Craig1916: 108

O! let me live.

Cade.

[Aside.] I feel remorse in myself with his words; but I’ll bridle it: he shall die, an it be but for pleading so well for his life. Away with him! he has a familiar under his tongue; he speaks not o’ God’s name. Go, take him away, I say, and strike off his head presently; and then break into his son-in-law’s house, Sir James Cromer, and strike off his head, and bring them both upon two poles hither.Craig1916: 118

All.

It shall be done.

Say.

Ah, countrymen! if when you make your prayers,

God should be so obdurate as yourselves,

How would it fare with your departed souls?

And therefore yet relent, and save my life.Craig1916: 123

Cade.

Away with him! and do as I command ye. [Exeunt some, withLord Say.] The proudest peer in the realm shall not wear a head on his shoulders, unless he pay me tribute; there shall not a maid be married, but she shall pay to me her maidenhead, ere they have it; men shall hold of me in capite; and we charge and command that their wives be as free as heart can wish or tongue can tell.Craig1916: 132

Dick.

My lord, when shall we go to Cheapside and take up commodities upon our bills?

Cade.

Marry, presently.

All.

O! brave!Craig1916: 136

Re-enter Rebels, with the heads ofLord Sayand his Son-in-law.

Cade.

But is not this braver? Let them kiss one another, for they loved well when they were alive. Now part them again, lest they consult about the giving up of some more towns in France. Soldiers, defer the spoil of the city until night: for with these borne before us, instead of maces, will we ride through the streets; and at every corner have them kiss. Away!Craig1916: 144

[Exeunt.

Scene VIII.—: The Same. Southwark.

Alarum. EnterCadeand all his Rabblement.

Cade.

Up Fish Street! down St. Magnus’ corner! kill and knock down! throw them into Thames! [A parley sounded, then a retreat.] What noise is this I hear? Dare any be so bold to sound retreat or parley, when I command them kill?

Edition: current; Page: [642]

EnterBuckingham,and OldClifford,with Forces.

Buck.

Ay, here they be that dare and will disturb thee.

Know, Cade, we come ambassadors from the kingCraig1916: 8

Unto the commons whom thou hast misled;

And here pronounce free pardon to them all

That will forsake thee and go home in peace.

Clif.

What say ye, countrymen? will ye relent,Craig1916: 12

And yield to mercy, whilst ’tis offer’d you,

Or let a rebel lead you to your deaths?

Who loves the king, and will embrace his pardon,

Fling up his cap, and say ‘God save his majesty!’Craig1916: 16

Who hateth him, and honours not his father,

Henry the Fifth, that made all France to quake,

Shake he his weapon at us, and pass by.

All.

God save the king! God save the king!

Cade.

What! Buckingham and Clifford, are ye so brave? And you, base peasants, do ye believe him? will you needs be hanged with your pardons about your necks? Hath my sword therefore broke through London Gates, that you should leave me at the White Hart in Southwark? I thought ye would never have given out these arms till you had recovered your ancient freedom; but you are all recreants and dastards, and delight to live in slavery to the nobility. Let them break your backs with burdens, take your houses over your heads, ravish your wives and daughters before your faces: for me, I will make shift for one, and so, God’s curse light upon you all!

All.

We’ll follow Cade, we’ll follow Cade!Craig1916: 36

Clif.

Is Cade the son of Henry the Fifth,

That thus you do exclaim you’ll go with him?

Will he conduct you through the heart of France,

And make the meanest of you earls and dukes?

Alas! he hath no home, no place to fly to;Craig1916: 41

Nor knows he how to live but by the spoil,

Unless by robbing of your friends and us.

Were’t not a shame, that whilst you live at jar,

The fearful French, whom you late vanquished,

Should make a start o’er seas and vanquish you?

Methinks already in this civil broil

I see them lording it in London streets,Craig1916: 48

Crying Villiago! unto all they meet.

Better ten thousand base-born Cades miscarry,

Than you should stoop unto a Frenchman’s mercy.

To France, to France! and get what you have lost;Craig1916: 52

Spare England, for it is your native coast.

Henry hath money, you are strong and manly;

God on our side, doubt not of victory.

All.

A Clifford! a Clifford! we’ll follow the king and Clifford.Craig1916: 57

Cade.

[Aside.] Was ever feather so lightly blown to and fro as this multitude? The name of Henry the Fifth hales them to a hundred mischiefs, and makes them leave me desolate. I see them lay their heads together to surprise me. My sword make way for me, for here is no staying. In despite of the devils and hell, have through the very middest of you! and heavens and honour be witness, that no want of resolution in me, but only my followers’ base and ignominious treasons, makes me betake me to my heels.

Enter, below, a number ofCade’sfollowers, with halters about their necks.

Clif.

He’s fled, my lord, and all his powers do yield;

And humbly thus, with halters on their necks,

Expect your highness’ doom, of life, or death.Craig1916: 12

K. Hen.

Then, heaven, set ope thy everlasting gates,

To entertain my vows of thanks and praise!

Soldiers, this day have you redeem’d your lives,

And show’d how well you love your prince and country:Craig1916: 16

Edition: current; Page: [643]

Continue still in this so good a mind,

And Henry, though he be infortunate,

Assure yourselves, will never be unkind:

And so, with thanks and pardon to you all,Craig1916: 20

I do dismiss you to your several countries.

All.

God save the king! God save the king!

Enter a Messenger.

Mess.

Please it your Grace to be advertised,

The Duke of York is newly come from Ireland;

And with a puissant and a mighty powerCraig1916: 25

Of Gallowglasses, and stout kerns,

Is marching hitherward in proud array;

And still proclaimeth, as he comes along,Craig1916: 28

His arms are only to remove from thee

The Duke of Somerset, whom he terms a traitor.

K. Hen.

Thus stands my state, ’twixt Cade and York distress’d;

Like to a ship, that, having scap’d a tempest,Craig1916: 32

Is straight way calm’d, and boarded with a pirate.

But now is Cade driven back, his men dispers’d;

And now is York in arms to second him.

I pray thee, Buckingham, go and meet him,Craig1916: 36

And ask him what’s the reason of these arms.

Tell him I’ll send Duke Edmund to the Tower;

And, Somerset, we will commit thee thither,

Until his army be dismiss’d from him.Craig1916: 40

Som.

My lord,

I’ll yield myself to prison willingly,

Or unto death, to do my country good.

K. Hen.

In any case, be not too rough in terms;Craig1916: 44

For he is fierce and cannot brook hard language.

Buck.

I will, my lord; and doubt not so to deal

As all things shall redound unto your good.

K. Hen.

Come, wife, let’s in, and learn to govern better;Craig1916: 48

For yet may England curse my wretched reign.

[Exeunt.

Scene X.—: Kent. Iden’s Garden.

EnterCade.

Cade.

Fie on ambition! fie on myself, that have a sword, and yet am ready to famish! These five days have I hid me in these woods and durst not peep out, for all the country is laid for me; but now I am so hungry, that if I might have a lease of my life for a thousand years I could stay no longer. Wherefore, on a brick wall have I climbed into this garden, to see if I can eat grass, or pick a sallet another while, which is not amiss to cool a man’s stomach this hot weather. And I think this word ‘sallet’ was born to do me good: for many a time, but for a sallet, my brain-pan had been cleft with a brown bill; and many a time, when I have been dry, and bravely marching, it hath served me instead of a quart-pot to drink in; and now the word ‘sallet’ must serve me to feed on.Craig1916: 17

EnterIdenwith Servants behind.

Iden.

Lord! who would live turmoiled in the court,

And may enjoy such quiet walks as these?

This small inheritance my father left meCraig1916: 20

Contenteth me, and worth a monarchy.

I seek not to wax great by others’ waning,

Or gather wealth I care not with what envy:

Sufficeth that I have maintains my state,Craig1916: 24

And sends the poor well pleased from my gate.

Cade.

[Aside.] Here’s the lord of the soil come to seize me for a stray, for entering his fee-simple without leave. Ah, villain! thou wilt betray me, and get a thousand crowns of the king by carrying my head to him; but I’ll make thee eat iron like an ostrich, and swallow my sword like a great pin, ere thou and I part.Craig1916: 32

Iden.

Why, rude companion, whatsoe’er thou be,

I know thee not; why then should I betray thee?

Is’t not enough to break into my garden,

And like a thief to come to rob my grounds,Craig1916: 36

Climbing my walls in spite of me the owner,

But thou wilt brave me with these saucy terms?

Cade.

Brave thee! ay, by the best blood that ever was broached, and beard thee too. Look on me well: I have eat no meat these five days; yet, come thou and thy five men, and if I do not leave you all as dead as a door-nail, I pray God I may never eat grass more.Craig1916: 44

Iden.

Nay, it shall ne’er be said, while England stands,

That Alexander Iden, an esquire of Kent,

Took odds to combat a poor famish’d man.

Oppose thy steadfast-gazing eyes to mine,Craig1916: 48

See if thou canst out-face me with thy looks:

Set limb to limb, and thou art far the lesser;

Thy hand is but a finger to my fist;

Thy leg a stick compared with this truncheon;

My foot shall fight with all the strength thou hast;Craig1916: 53

And if mine arm be heaved in the air

Thy grave is digg’d already in the earth.

As for more words, whose greatness answers words,Craig1916: 56

Let this my sword report what speech forbears.

Cade.

By my valour, the most complete champion that ever I heard! Steel, if thou turn the edge, or cut not out the burly-boned clown in chines of beef ere thou sleep in thy sheath, I beseech Jove on my knees, thou mayst be turned to hobnails. [They fight;Cadefalls.] O, I am slain! Famine and no other hath slain me: let Edition: current; Page: [644] ten thousand devils come against me, and give me but the ten meals I have lost, and I’ll defy them all. Wither, garden; and be henceforth a burying-place to all that do dwell in this house, because the unconquered soul of Cade is fled.Craig1916: 69

Iden.

Is’t Cade that I have slain, that monstrous traitor?

Sword, I will hallow thee for this thy deed,

And hang thee o’er my tomb when I am dead:

Ne’er shall this blood be wiped from thy point,

But thou shalt wear it as a herald’s coat,Craig1916: 74

To emblaze the honour that thy master got.

Cade.

Iden, farewell; and be proud of thy victory. Tell Kent from me, she hath lost her best man, and exhort all the world to be cowards; for I, that never feared any, am vanquished by famine, not by valour.

[Dies.

Iden.

How much thou wrong’st me, heaven be my judge.Craig1916: 81

Die, damned wretch, the curse of her that bare thee!

And as I thrust thy body in with my sword,

So wish I I might thrust thy soul to hell.

Hence will I drag thee headlong by the heelsCraig1916: 85

Unto a dunghill which shall be thy grave,

And there cut off thy most ungracious head;

Which I will bear in triumph to the king,Craig1916: 88

Leaving thy trunk for crows to feed upon.

[Exit, with Servants, dragging out the body.

ACT V.

Scene I.—: Kent. Fields between Dartford and Blackheath.

TheKing’scamp on one side. On the other, enterYork,and his army of Irish, with drum and colours.

York.

From Ireland thus comes York to claim his right,

And pluck the crown from feeble Henry’s head:

Ring, bells, aloud; burn, bonfires, clear and bright,

To entertain great England’s lawful king.Craig1916: 4

Ah sancta majestas, who would not buy thee dear?

Let them obey that know not how to rule;

This hand was made to handle nought but gold:

I cannot give due action to my words,Craig1916: 8

Except a sword, or sceptre balance it.

A sceptre shall it have, have I-a soul,

On which I’ll toss the flower-de-luce of France.

EnterBuckingham.

Whom have we here? Buckingham, to disturb me?Craig1916: 12

The king hath sent him, sure: I must dissemble.

Buck.

York, if thou meanest well, I greet thee well.

York.

Humphrey of Buckingham, I accept thy greeting.

Art thou a messenger, or come of pleasure?Craig1916: 16

Buck.

A messenger from Henry, our dread hege,

To know the reason of these arms in peace;

Or why thou,—being a subject as I am,—

Against thy oath and true allegiance sworn,Craig1916: 20

Shouldst raise so great a power without his leave,

Or dare to bring thy force so near the court.

York.

[Aside.] Scarce can I speak, my choler is so great:

O! I could hew up rocks and fight with flint,Craig1916: 24

I am so angry at these abject terms;

And now, like Ajax Telamonius,

On sheep or oxen could I spend my fury.

I am far better born than is the king,Craig1916: 28

More like a king, more kingly in my thoughts;

But I must make fair weather yet awhile,

Till Henry be more weak, and I more strong.

[Aloud.] Buckingham, I prithee, pardon me,Craig1916: 32

That I have given no answer all this while;

My mind was troubled with deep melancholy.

The cause why I have brought this army hither

Is to remove proud Somerset from the king,Craig1916: 36

Seditious to his Grace and to the state.

Buck.

That is too much presumption on thy part:

But if thy arms be to no other end,

The king hath yielded unto thy demand:Craig1916: 40

The Duke of Somerset is in the Tower.

York.

Upon thine honour, is he a prisoner?

Buck.

Upon mine honour, he is a prisoner.

York.

Then, Buckingham, I do dismiss my powers.Craig1916: 44

Soldiers, I thank you all; disperse yourselves;

Meet me to-morrow in Saint George’s field,

You shall have pay, and everything you wish,

And let my sov’reign, virtuous Henry,Craig1916: 48

Command my eldest son, nay, all my sons,

As pledges of my fealty and love;

I’ll send them all as willing as I live:

Lands, goods, horse, armour, anything I have

Is his to use, so Somerset may die.Craig1916: 53

Buck.

York, I commend this kind submission:

We twain will go into his highness’ tent.

EnterKing Henry,attended.

K. Hen.

Buckingham, doth York intend no harm to us,Craig1916: 56

That thus he marcheth with thee arm in arm?

York.

In all submission and humility

York doth present himself unto your highness.

Edition: current; Page: [645]

K. Hen.

Then what intend these forces thou dost bring?Craig1916: 60

York.

To heave the traitor Somerset from hence,

And fight against that monstrous rebel, Cade,

Who since I heard to be discomfited.

EnterIden,withCade’shead.

Iden.

If one so rude and of so mean conditionCraig1916: 64

May pass into the presence of a king,

Lo! I present your Grace a traitor’s head,

The head of Cade, whom I in combat slew.

K. Hen.

The head of Cade! Great God, how just art thou!Craig1916: 68

O! let me view his visage, being dead,

That living wrought me such exceeding trouble.

Tell me, my friend, art thou the man that slew him?

Iden.

I was, an’t like your majesty.Craig1916: 72

K. Hen.

How art thou call’d, and what is thy degree?

Iden.

Alexander Iden, that’s my name;

A poor esquire of Kent, that loves his king.

Buck.

So please it you, my lord, ’twere not amissCraig1916: 76

He were created knight for his good service.

K. Hen.

Iden, kneel down. [He kneels.] Rise up a knight.

We give thee for reward a thousand marks;

And will, that thou henceforth attend on us.Craig1916: 80

Iden.

May Iden live to merit such a bounty,

And never live but true unto his liege!

K. Hen.

See! Buckingham! Somerset comes with the queen:

Go, bid her hide him quickly from the duke.Craig1916: 84

EnterQueen MargaretandSomerset.

Q. Mar.

For thousand Yorks he shall not hide his head,

But boldly stand and front him to his face.

York.

How now! is Somerset at liberty?

Then, York, unloose thy long-imprison’d thoughtsCraig1916: 88

And let thy tongue be equal with thy heart.

Shall I endure the sight of Somerset?

False king! why hast thou broken faith with me,

Knowing how hardly I can brook abuse?Craig1916: 92

King did I call thee? no, thou art not king;

Not fit to govern and rule multitudes,

Which dar’st not, no, nor canst not rule a traitor.

That head of thine doth not become a crown;

Thy hand is made to grasp a palmer’s staff,Craig1916: 97

And not to grace an awful princely sceptre.

That gold must round engirt these brows of mine,

Whose smile and frown, like to Achilles’ spear,

Is able with the change to kill and cure.Craig1916: 101

Here is a hand to hold a sceptre up,

And with the same to act controlling laws.

Give place: by heaven, thou shalt rule no moreCraig1916: 104

O’er him whom heaven created for thy ruler.

Som.

O monstrous traitor:—I arrest thee, York,

Of capital treason ’gainst the king and crown.

Obey, audacious traitor; kneel for grace.Craig1916: 108

York.

Wouldst have me kneel? first let me ask of these

If they can brook I bow a knee to man.

Sirrah, call in my sons to be my bail:

[Exit an Attendant.

I know ere they will have me go to ward,Craig1916: 112

They’ll pawn their swords for my enfranchisement.

Q. Mar.

Call hither Clifford; bid him come amain,

To say if that the bastard boys of York

Shall be the surety for their traitor father.Craig1916: 116

[ExitBuckingham.

York.

O blood-bespotted Neapolitan,

Outcast of Naples, England’s bloody scourge!

The sons of York, thy betters in their birth,

Shall be their father’s bail; and bane to those

That for my surety will refuse the boys!Craig1916: 121

EnterEdwardandRichard Plantagenet,with Forces at one side; at the other, with Forces also, OldCliffordand his Son.

See where they come: I’ll warrant they’ll make it good.

Q. Mar.

And here comes Clifford, to deny their bail.

Clif.

[Kneeling.] Health and all happiness to my lord the king!Craig1916: 124